Violets

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Here at the farm, Violets are everywhere—purple and white (mostly white...but there are some purple in the medicinal herb garden...for now). Actually, it's all "medicinal:" all that's growing around us...and will continue to grow until the leaves fall again in September and October. Some folklore will tell that violets mean "fortune is coming your way." I suppose I am pretty fortunate on this property.

The leaves are heart-shaped, slightly downy, and grow on stalks that rise alternately from a creeping rhizome (or underground stem). The flowers are generally deep purple, but lilac, pale rose-coloured or white variations are also frequent. The flowers are full of honey and are constructed for bee visitors, but bloom before it is really bee time, so that it is rare that a Violet flower is found setting seed.

What is curious about the violet is that it produces flowers both in the spring and in autumn, but the flowers are different. In spring they are fully formed, as described, and sweet-scented, but they are mostly barren and produce no seed, while in autumn, they are very small and insignificant, hidden away amongst the leaves, with no petals and no scent, and produce abundance of seed. 

In my world, violet is a gentle while potent remedy. It is classified as an alterative (or "blood purifier"), which means it helps the body restore optimal functioning by aiding metabolic processes, especially the elimination of waste products. Violet stimulates the lymphatic glands, helping the body get rid of bacteria and other toxins. It is especially useful for swollen glands. Over time, violet can help clear stubborn problems like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Taking Violet after a long winter is a wonderful way to get our bodies ready for a healthy and energetic spring. It is a favorite for cancer healing.

 

Dandelion

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Dandelion is still growing young—and a good option for salads, steamed greens and root stir fries with garlic, ginger and such (meaning, you can chop them and toss them in with other veggies for a digestive and overall health boost). Above pic is of a dressing I made and tossed with chopped egg, chopped root and hard boiled duck egg. 

Dandelion herb health benefits

  • Fresh dandelion greens, flower tops, and roots contain valuable constituents that are known to have anti-oxidant, disease preventing, and health promoting properties.

  • Helpa reduce weight and control cholesterol levels in the blood.

  • Vitamin A,  carotene-β, carotene-α, lutein, crypto-xanthin and zea-xanthn. Consumption of natural foods rich in vitamin-A and flavonoids (carotenes) helps body protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. Zeaxanthin has photo-filtering functions and protects retina from UV rays.

  • The herb is good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, which helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Iron is essential for red blood cell production. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

  • It is also rich in many vital vitamins including folic acid, riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin, vitamin -E and vitamin-C that are essential for optimum health. Vitamin-C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Dandelion greens provide 58% of daily-recommended levels of vitamin-C.

  • Dandelion is probably the richest herbal sources of vitamin K; provides about 650% of DRI. Vitamin-K has potential role in bone mass building by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones. It also has established role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.